Distribution Center Technician

VALO BioMedia; Taneytown (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

VALO BioMedia is seeking a Distribution Center Technician in Taneytown, Maryland. In this role, you will process, grade, package, and ship Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs following strict biosecurity and quality protocols. The position requires attention to detail, proficiency in data management, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members. Applicants should have a high school diploma and relevant experience. The job emphasizes compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in poultry operations or regulated environments preferred.
• Experience working in environments requiring strict SOP adherence strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate VALO's proprietary technology.

Responsibilities

• Perform egg loading, candling, grading, and packaging functions.
• Enter required production, grading, and shipping data into VALO's system.
• Monitor inventory levels of packaging materials and supplies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Distribution Center Technician is responsible for the accurate processing, grading, packaging, documentation, and shipment preparation of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) eggs in accordance with VALO BioMedia North America’s biosecurity, animal welfare, quality, and safety standards.

This role plays a critical part in maintaining product integrity, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity. The Distribution Center Technician ensures all SPF eggs are handled with precision and care, all required data is accurately entered into VALO’s proprietary systems, and the Distribution Center environment remains compliant, clean, and audit-ready at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

SPF Egg Processing & Quality Control

• Perform egg loading, candling, grading, and packaging functions in strict accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Accurately identify, grade, and segregate product based on quality and customer specifications.
• Ensure product traceability and maintain integrity throughout the handling and packaging process.
• Immediately report product deviations, quality concerns, or process inconsistencies to management.

Documentation & Data Management

• Enter all required production, grading, shipping, and laboratory data into VALO’s proprietary FLIP system accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate records to support traceability, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Verify shipment documentation for completeness and accuracy before release.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Monitor inventory levels of packaging materials, sanitation supplies, and other Distribution Center consumables.
• Notify the Distribution Center Manager in advance of low inventory to prevent operational disruptions.
• Assist with receiving, stocking, and organizing supplies.

Sanitation & Biosecurity Compliance

• Perform all cleaning and sanitation procedures in strict accordance with biosecurity protocols and SOPs.
• Maintain Distribution Center cleanliness to meet internal standards and external audit requirements.
• Follow all facility entry/exit procedures and contamination prevention protocols without exception.

Safety & Animal Welfare

• Strictly adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.
• Comply fully with VALO BioMedia North America’s Animal Welfare standards and biosecurity rules.
• Properly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Operational Support & Leadership Backup

• Assist the Distribution Center Manager with assigned operational tasks and special projects.
• In the absence of the Distribution Center Manager, assume delegated responsibilities necessary to maintain continuity of operations.
• Provide directions to team members when acting in a lead capacity.

Other Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional activities as operational needs require.
• Perform additional duties assigned to support business objectives.

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the Distribution Center Manager.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in poultry operations, biological production, manufacturing, or regulated environments preferred.
• Experience working in environments requiring strict SOP adherence strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Technical Skills

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Windows-based systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and accurately operate VALO’s proprietary technology.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.

Language & Communication Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and follow SOPs, safety rules, and technical documents.
• Ability to complete routine reports and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Professional communication when interacting with internal stakeholders and customers as needed.

Reasoning & Problem-Solving

• Ability to apply sound judgment and common-sense reasoning to written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to identify inconsistencies and elevate concerns appropriately.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a moderately complex, compliance-driven environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on egg production cycles.
• Willingness to adjust hours to meet operational demands.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production setting.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity required for handling fragile biological products.
• Ability to work in environments with temperature variations.
• Exposure to poultry environments and agricultural settings.
• Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizing agents when cleaning equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Strict adherence to biosecurity entry/exit procedures required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in SPF, poultry, hatchery, laboratory, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with biosecurity-driven operations.
• Experience working under quality management systems.

Performance Expectations & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Distribution Center Specialist is expected to meet the following measurable performance standards. Performance will be evaluated regularly and may be incorporated into formal performance reviews.

1. Quality & Accuracy

• Maintain >= 99% accuracy in egg grading and packaging.
• Zero preventable product contamination events that are attributable to handling errors.
• All shipment documentation was completed accurately and submitted on time (100% compliance).

2. Biosecurity & Animal Welfare Compliance

• 100% adherence to all biosecurity entry/exit protocols.
• Zero documented violations of animal welfare or biosecurity procedures.
• Immediate reporting (within the same shift) of any suspected breach or deviation.

3. Productivity & Throughput

• Meet daily processing volume targets established by the Distribution Center Manager.
• Complete assigned load, candling, grading, and packaging tasks within expected time standards.
• Maintain workflow efficiency to prevent shipment delays attributable to processing.

4. Sanitation & Audit Readiness

• All cleaning tasks completed per SOP with no missed sanitation checklists.
• Distribution Center is always maintained in inspection-ready condition.
• Zero corrective actions resulting from sanitation neglect or documentation gaps.

5. Inventory & Operational Support

• Notify management of low inventory levels before operational impact occurs (minimum 48-hour notice when feasible).
• Assist in preventing production interruptions due to supply shortages.
• Effectively support continuity of operations when acting in a lead or backup capacity.

6. Attendance & Reliability

• Maintain reliable attendance consistent with production-driven scheduling.
• Demonstrate flexibility during peak production cycles.

Failure to consistently meet established performance expectations may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.